Tianze Xia graduated from New York University with a degree in Biomolecular Science and a minor in Mathematics. His time in New York was a formative experience, strengthening his intellectual curiosity while fostering resilience and adaptability.
Born in Ürümqi, China, and raised between Ürümqi and Madrid, Tianze developed a global perspective that shaped his interest in the molecular foundations of human biology. This cross-cultural background continues to inform his analytical approach and academic pursuits.
At NYU, Tianze served as a peer tutor for biology and chemistry at the NYU Polytechnic Tutoring Center, supporting students in challenging subjects and reinforcing his commitment to collaborative learning. He also volunteered at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, contributing to patient support while gaining exposure to clinical environments and healthcare systems.
Outside of his academic and professional work, Tianze pursued a range of interests, including weightlifting, playing the piano at 5 MetroTech Center, creating ceramics at Steinhardt’s studio, playing basketball, biking across the Manhattan Bridge, and traveling.
The GLASS Program had a significant impact on my perspective of academic research and world problems because it required me to step outside of my comfort zone and not just improve technical skills, but also think about the context in which solutions are used. It helped me adopt a more interdisciplinary outlook and learn how to utilize concepts in biology, math, and data science in order to contribute to solving issues related to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, especially in healthcare (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being).
Through GLASS, I learned to consider not just how to build a model or interpret data, but the importance of these tools and the ways in which they impact people and systems. It also enhanced my ability to communicate intricate topics in a simple and understandable way, which is essential in any interdisciplinary setting.
I enjoyed how the GLASS program allowed me to study the issue from different viewpoints, whether that was through research, international experiences, or community engagement. Learning the implications of different methods in analyzing a problem from each different approach enriched my academic work and made me more excited to apply knowledge and analytical skills, knowing that I can create a more meaningful impact.